A behind-the-scenes look at how Andre Johnson, Texans made peace

Andre Johnson returned to the Texans’ practice facilities after a brief hiatus from the team. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Ultimately, owner Bob McNair’s relationship with Andre Johnson played the most significant role in convincing the receiver to report to the Texans on Friday.

McNair met with Johnson in his office at NRG Stadium on July 18 and spoke with him on the telephone this week, according to three people with behind-the-scenes insight into the resolution of the Johnson controversy.

McNair assured Johnson the Texans have no intentions of cutting him after this season and that the owner expects him to finish his career with the Texans and become the first member of the team to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Johnson, who turned 33 this month and has three years left on his contract, wanted his 2015 salary to be guaranteed, but the Texans declined.

Johnson had asked to be traded, but the Texans refused.

Johnson’s base salary this season is $10 million. His salary cap figure is $15.6 million. In 2015, he makes $10.5 million with a cap figure of $16.1 million.

Johnson was concerned about getting cut in 2015 when he’ll be 34 and have such a high cap figure. McNair tried to put his mind at ease without guaranteeing any part of his contract.

During Johnson’s holdout, in an effort to keep the lines of communication open in what had become an extremely delicate situation involving the seven-time Pro Bowl player and 12-year veteran, general manager Rick Smith and agent Kennard McGuire kept up an ongoing dialogue.

In his two conversations with Johnson, McNair reemphasized to his receiver how important he is to the team and how much the Texans need him to achieve their goals in coach Bill O’Brien’s first season.

When he met with the media on Friday, Johnson said the plan is for him to finish his career with the Texans.

Johnson also spoke highly of O’Brien.

According to those familiar with the situation, after Johnson met with McNair on July 18, he also met with O’Brien and quarterbacks coach George Godsey, who lacks the title of offensive coordinator but serves in that capacity.

During Johnson’s holdout, he had dinner with O’Brien and had several telephone conversations with him. During Johnson’s absence in the OTAs, O’Brien said nothing but good things about the receiver and said he believed they had a good relationship.

Two people with knowledge of what transpired said Johnson was impressed with O’Brien’s plans for him. O’Brien showed Johnson how he wants to use him all over the field, creating mismatches in coverage and getting the ball to him when the Texans are in the red zone.

Johnson is excited about the possibility of scoring more touchdowns. He’s coming off two exceptional seasons with 112 catches for 1,598 yards in 2012 and 109 receptions for 1,407 yards last season. But he’s combined for only nine scoring receptions the last two years.

It’s hard to believe, but in his first 11 seasons, Johnson has never reached double figures in touchdowns. His career high was nine in 2009. This could be the season Johnson sets a career high.

New quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ranked third in the NFL in red zone passing last year with a 110.5 rating. He threw eight touchdown passes without an interception.

With Fitzpatrick’s passing, O’Brien’s play-calling and Johnson’s ability, the Texans could be vastly improved in the red zone, especially since their star receiver reported on Friday and will be able to make up for the time he lost in the offseason.